When someone describes something as "for the fans," they usually mean that it would be a dream for anyone familiar with the material and a waste of time for anyone who isn't. The Legend of Vox Machina is a rare work that is an absolute treat for fans and the perfect way for newcomers to experience a beloved story.
Immediately before the release of these episodes of this season of Vox Machina, Amazon proudly announced that they'll be adapting Critical Role's second campaign in the same style. The studio knows that they've got something incredible on their hands and the world now knows that we've got a lot of great fantasy content on the way.
Episode four: "Those Who Walk Away" opens just as the previous episode closed. A disastrous mistake leaves Vex dead and the rest of the party frantically struggles to bring her back. Even for those who know where it's going, it's a genuinely heartrending death scene. In a moment of desperation, Vax makes a deal he doesn't quite understand. This episode also gives the crew a chance to show off their new skills against a visually compelling foe, and it's a solid action scene. The power level of every party member has been constantly in flux, but once one of the legendary Vestiges enters the conversation, things change dramatically.
The introduction of the Vestiges of Divergence also increases Vox Machina's involvement in the history of Tal'Dorei. Through visceral visions, the audience gets a glimpse of the fated Calamity in all its glory. Fans know that the backstory of the world of Critical Role is epic and massive. The original campaign kept characters mostly in the present, driving the plot forward within the rules of the game. As a show, they have the freedom to introduce concepts that weren't set in stone until years later. This kind of storytelling makes the narrative simultaneously more ambitious and much easier to pull off.
Episode 5 "Pass Through Fire" takes a brief detour on the otherwise central Chroma Conclave quest to deal with a sudden pressing emergency. While trudging through the snow, chatting about brooms, and listening to Grog argue with his sword, the party discovers an active volcano. It's swiftly revealed that the natural disaster stands as a warning of an otherworldly one, as the rift to the Elemental Plane of Fire stands wide open. Keyleth's druidic background quickly becomes the only way to save the world from a second apocalypse, if only she can summon up the confidence to get the job done. The open rift pours out a constant flow of monsters, leading to another great war between Vox Machina and countless vicious foes. The real thrust of the episode is Keyleth's emotional growth, and there's more than a little Avatar: The Last Airbender in its presentation.
Episode 6 "Into Rimecleft" drags things a bit back on track. Multiple characters are wrestling with their inventory, everyone has a personal goal or two, and there are still tons of secrets kept hidden, but the dragons are still the main headline event. To that end, the Vox Machina crew is led into another domain of another sphinx. This one is the long-lost mate of Osysa, and he also needs the party to prove themselves. Kamaljiori's test is radically different from the one he gave Vox Machina in the game, but it's a change for the better. The answer is somewhat obvious to the outside observer, but that's part of what makes it so compelling. When one lone party member finally figures it out as part of a stellar visual sequence, it's extremely cathartic. The fact that the show also manages to make the exchange part of that character's emotional growth makes it even more incredible.
On top of all of that, Episode 6 also concludes with one of the best action scenes in the series thus far. As with most episodes, this chunk ends on a cliffhanger, but it's an extremely compelling one. The Legend of Vox Machina is an achievement in creative vision. It's a show that knows exactly what it wants to be and nails it at every turn. In the modern age of design by committee and massive franchises controlled by creatively bankrupt financial heads, it's refreshing to see something made well because artists care about it. There is still so much ahead of the Vox Machina crew, so many genre-defining moments that haven't hit the screen. Let it never be said that the show isn't enjoying every moment along the way.
The Legend of Vox Machina does everything it sets out to do and more. Anyone with the slightest interest in fantasy storytelling, beautiful animation, tabletop RPGS, any member of the cast, or Critical Role will love the series. Season 2 is halfway done and the biggest problem with it is how long we'll all have to wait for the next adventure.